Pressing question: Will the Jackets be OK at middle linebacker? Injuries to Brown and Smith leave the position woefully thin. Freshman Tabugbo Anyansi and Ross Mitchell, a converted fullback, will have to learn fast if Tech hopes to proceed without much drop-off.

Notable: The Jackets have won all six of their meetings with Maryland at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Only Tech's 28-24 win in 1989 was decided by fewer than 18 points.

Quotable: "I've lived fine without him. I've had good times and bad times when he was here. I still sleep fine at night, and I'm sure he does too without me." - Tech QB George Godsey, on current Maryland coach and former Jackets offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen